Features

Sustainability

The Utah House seeks to share the vision of preserving our natural resources for future
generations. Efficient use of resources (energy,water, materials, land), minimization
of waste, conservation of the natural environment, and creation of a healthy built
environment are all part of sustainable design.

Sustainability Features

Arbors are made of reclaimed timbers from the Great Salt Lake, reducing the need to harvest new wood.

Home compost bins use yard and kitchen waste to enrich garden soil and help ease pressure on municipal landfills and incinerators.

Mulching around plants reduces use of fertilizer products, herbicides and helps retain moisture.

Well adapted plants were selected, which don't require fertilizers and other additives in order to grow.

Energy

The Utah House is about 60% more energy efficient than regular houses its size, earning
it the government’s Energy Star rating. Saving energy saves money and reduces the
use of nonrenewable, pollution-causing energy sources.

Energy Efficient Features

South-facing windows maximize heat gain from low-angle winter sun.

Tile floors create thermal mass to absorb that heat. In the summer, large eaves and
a light shelf block high-angle sun from coming into the home.

Clerestory windows provide natural light. Daylighting rooms throughout the home reduces
the need for electrical lights.

1Kw thin film photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof generate 20-25% of the house's
electricity from sunlight. An inverter, located in the closet, converts electricity
from solar panels from DC to AC for use in the house. Any extra energy generated is
sold back to the power company.

Natural light tubes in the bathroom, utility room, and hallway bring daylight into
the northwest corner of the house.

Compact flourescent lighting (CFL) located over work areas can be dimmed for optimal
lighting. CFLs us 66% less energy than incandescent bulbs and save up to $30/bulb
in lifetime electricity costs.

Energy Star appliances use less energy and water than other models.

Water

Utah is the second driest state in the nation, but has one of the highest water usage
rates. Water conservation measures such as rainwater collection, water-wise landscaping,
and water efficient fixtures and appliances help the Utah House use 50-70 % less water
than traditional homes and landscapes in Utah.

Water Conservation Design Features

The Utah House has several resources for water conservation. These include:

Front loading washer and dryer use about 1/3 of the energy and water of top loaders.

One toilet is flushed with rainwater and snowmelt collected off the roof and stored
in a 6,500 gallon cistern buried in the yard.

Low-flow toilets use only 1.6 gallons/flush, and shower and faucets us only 2.5 gallons/min.

Health

The Environmental Protection Agency lists poor indoor air quality as the fourth largest
environmental threat in the U.S. Air pollution is commonly worse indoors (where we
spend 90% of our time) than out, leading to respiratory illnesses, allergic irritations,
and even cancer. The Utah House uses healthy building materials, interior finishes,
and design strategies.

Healthy Home Design Features

The Utah House has several design features that promote a healthy lifestyle. These
include:

Ventilation in the kitchen and bathrooms carries excess moisture out of the home,
reducing mold and mildew growth.

In the kitchen, a downdraft system provides ventilation instead of a traditional range
hood.

Carbon monoxide detector, high efficiency air filter on the forced-air heat system,
and a whole-house ventilation system that brings in fresh air help insure healthy
indoor air quality. Paint used throughout the house are low in volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), helping reduce the chemicals released in the home.

Accessibility

Universal design assumes that all products, environments, and communications should
be designed to consider the needs of the widest array of users, including people of
all ages, sizes, and abilities. By making simple, smart design modifications such
as like barrier-free entries, wide doorways, and lever handles, Utah House designers
were able to create a space where anyone can live or visit throughout all stages of
their life.

Universal Design Features

The living space (kitchen, bathroom, living room, laundry, and bedroom) is located on one level.

There are separate work areas in kitchen, multi-level seating areas and knee space under the sink.

Main bedroom has emergency access to the outside, spacious closets, smoke detector/visual strobe (for those with impaired hearing).

Main entry is covered, without steps, spacious (36" wide), and has lever door handles.

Landscape

The goal of the Utah House landscape is to raise awareness and educate the public
about the value of home landscapes and their ability to conserve water and save energy.
The Utah House water-wise landscape demonstrates how homeowners can create a beautiful
and colorful landscape while significantly reducing water use. This innovative demonstration
landscape uses up to 75% less water than a conventional landscape and showcases a
variety of well-adapted and indigenous water-wise plants.

Water

The first step to the Utah House water-wise landscape was a plan and design, which
considered the site and the landscape’s goals and objectives.

A soil analysis was completed and organic matter was added to enhance drainage and
moisture retention.

Well-adapted, healthy plants were selected and grouped into hydrozones. Hydrozoning
a landscape involves grouping plants together according to their water requirements.

Practical turf areas of manageable sizes and shapes were created in areas where they
provided a functional benefit.

Trees and shrubs were strategically planted to reduce runoff and minimize erosion.

Mulches were used in shrub and perennial beds. Mulches conserve soil moisture and
increase soil nutrients.

Irrigate efficiently – not excessively. The Utah House landscape uses a properly
designed system that applies the right amount of water at the right time for each
hydrozone. Guidance for proper lawn watering in Utah can be found on the Division of Water Resources website.

Gravel surfaces and concrete pavers were used, which allow storm water to penetrate
into the soil.This reduces run-off and erosion and helps filter excessive nutrients.
High nutrient loads from home fertilizer use can upset the balance in the storm water-fed
ponds.

The roof is used as a water collection agent. Rain water is stored in a rain barrel
and used for irrigation purposes.

Health

The Utah House Raised Bed garden demonstrates how home gardeners can grow healthy
fresh food that is rich in vitamins and minerals, and harvested at the freshest stage
of maturity. The raised beds are also a demonstration of organic gardening. Organic
gardening means we do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on the plants. Organic
gardening begins with healthy soil and at the Utah House we add compost and natural
fertilizers to provide our plants with the necessary nutrition.

Rotating crops from year to year to interrupt pest reproduction cycles

Accessibility

All first level entrances are level, smooth, and stable, which helps make the landscape's
textured surfaces on driveways and walkways prevent slips.

Main entry is covered, without steps or any type of impediment, spacious (36" wide),
and has a lever for the door handle.

A raised garden bed offers comfortable access to gardening for people with physical
challenges.

The raised beds are designed with the use of Gravel Pave, a porusring-and-grid structure
that provides a low maintenance, reliable surface with excellent drainage, and accessibility
for wheelchairs.

History

The Utah House (UH) project was developed from the grass roots out of concern for
the environment. In 1996, Utah State University Extension sponsored a workshop and
nearly 100 people attended to discuss the possibility of building a demonstration
home in Utah. The idea of creating the UH prompted enough synergy to motivate over
50 people to work on teams to make the vision of the UH become a reality. Volunteer
teams were organized around marketing, education, fund raising, infrastructure, house
design, and landscape design. Out of the volunteers, the executive team was formed.
They worked for a year on creating the name, vision, and principles of the UH.

Mission

Our mission is to demonstrate, educate, and empower the public about new ways of building
homes and creating landscapes that promote energy efficiency, water conservation,
universal design principles, healthy indoor environments, and the sustainable use
of all resources. Located at the Utah Botanical Center, the Utah House is open to
the public for tours, workshops, youth groups, field trips, and event rental.

Donations

Why Donate

Utah House project welcomes all types of gifts, including cash, sponsorships, and
the donation of products, services, and/or supplies. To acknowledge your generosity
and support, the Utah House team is happy to recognize you or your company in a variety
of ways. As a partner, we offer you an assortment of advertising opportunities within
the house and throughout marketing materials. This is just one way of expressing our
appreciation. Check with our office for additional recognition activities, depending
on levels of partnership.

How To Donate

You can make a gift to the Utah House in a number of ways:

Make a check payable to Utah House Utah State University and mailed to:Jayne MulfordP.O. Box 265Kaysville, UT 84037

Products Labor

Want to install something you have seen in the Utah House in your own home? The links
to the right will provide you contact information for individuals and companies who
supplied products and labor to the Utah House project.